Governor Ron DeSantis today signed CS/SB 7070: K-12 Education at William A. Kirlew Junior Academy. The bill expands the programs through which qualified parents may seek educational choice options for their children, establishes the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, and helps to recruit and retain the best teachers and principals for our schools. The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Senator Manny Díaz, Jr., Representative Jennifer Sullivan, Representative James Bush III, Representative Ana Maria Rodriguez and Representative Vance Aloupis.
“The reason I fought so hard for the new Family Empowerment Scholarship is because of what I heard from the families on the waitlist,” said Governor DeSantis. “I was told how badly they wanted to send their child to the school they felt was best for them. Signing this bill today will help tens of thousands of low-income children realize their dreams.”
“Today’s bill signing is a victory for all Florida students and parents,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “This law empowers more parents to take control of their child’s education and opens new opportunities for students to succeed across our state.”
“Today is a historic day for Florida and I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his leadership on this issue,” said Senator Manny Díaz, Jr. “Thanks to President Bill Galvano, Speaker Jose Oliva and all of our legislative colleagues, this is a team win for Florida’s kids.”
“It has been an honor to travel with Governor DeSantis, the First Lady, and Senator Diaz across the great state of Florida to promote Florida’s new Family Empowerment Scholarship,” said Representative Jennifer Sullivan. “I am thrilled to have played a part in providing more opportunities for students and choices for parents. I am encouraged by the students we were able to meet today who have chosen not to be defined by a zip code, but by work ethic. We believe in our students, we believe in our teachers and we are committed to continuing to invest in expanding educational opportunities across our state.”
William A. Kirlew Junior Academy, founded in 1993, has established a reputation of excellence and has created an atmosphere of achievement. The school also participates in numerous community service projects that aid in offering an educational experience that combines spiritual, academic and character development. A majority of the students that have graduated from William A. Kirlew Junior Academy go on to succeed in both private and public high schools and colleges.
For more information, read the bill summary for CS/SB 7070 HERE.
For a PDF copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
